India reportedly saw 3,66,138 road accidents causing more than 1,31,714 deaths in 2020 alone. To bring down the number of such eventualities, the government is formulating strategies to ensure safe driving and road safety empowered by education, enforcement, and emergency care.

However, the citizens must also follow the road safety rules designed for both vehicle owners and pedestrians to ensure their safety.

The mantra is to drive as slow as possible and as fast as necessary. 

Here are some of the top tips for safe driving for your reference -

1. Avoid Distraction While Driving

Nowadays, several fatal crashes on the road happen due to distraction by electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, loud music, and the like. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the delay in driver’s reaction causes maximum rear-end collision. Therefore, you should avoid such distractions while driving.

2. Maintain the Optimum Speed Limit

Maintaining the speed limit is one of the essential road safety precautions. The objective behind setting a speed limit is to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

3. Wear Seatbelt

Not fastening a seatbelt while driving is an offence under Section 138 (3) CMVR 177 MVA. A seatbelt can reduce the risk of injury or death during an accident. For safe driving, wearing a seat belt is necessary for both driver and passenger.

4. Obey Traffic Signals

Following traffic rules is mandatory to protect yourself from financial charges, physical injury, or fatal accidents. It is one of the most critical rules under safety tips for driving.

5. Avoid Overtaking

You should not overtake any vehicle while changing lanes on a busy road for soaring traffic discipline on the road. If it is essential for a lane change, then do so from the right side as Indian traffic rules don't permit a left-side to overtake.

6. Service Your Vehicle Regularly

Repairing the worn-out part of your vehicle will ensure a smooth driving experience. Break down of brake, headlight, tyre, and side mirror may cause accidents if not maintained regularly.

7. Maintain Distance

Keep an optimum distance from the vehicle ahead of you to get enough time and space to react if it suddenly stops. All these come under safety rules while driving with practical guidelines and strategy.

8. Know Your Blind Spots

Your vision should be very clear while driving. Know the blind spots, especially if you are driving any commercial vehicle.

9. Know Your Vehicle’s Safe Braking Distance

Based on the type of vehicle, the size of the brake differs. The bigger the rig, the longer time it takes to stop. For commercial vehicle drivers, it is one of the essential points under safe driving tips.

10. Make Way for Emergency Vehicles

Give space to the emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire brigade, etc. Do not try to overtake them; instead, take your vehicle to the side.

Precaution is better than cure! You may drive on or off the road; however, you should follow safety measures in both cases. You should know measures on how to drive safely without risking your and others life.

Off-Road Driving Precautions

Off-road safe driving tips are comparatively easier to follow than on-road driving.

You need to adhere to these points -

• Know the proper driving techniques on rough or unstructured roads to avoid rollover, crashes, or fire.
• Keep a stock of the vehicle's spare parts and repair kits with you to recover from a sudden breakdown.
• Maintain an optimal speed limit – It is a significant point for driving to reduce the risk of an accident.

On-Road Driving Precautions

Maintaining traffic rules is the most crucial safety precaution in driving to avoid any accident and injury.

Besides -

• Do not drive in a drunken condition.
• Do not drive if you are feeling drowsy or have any physical, mental, or vision problems.
• Be alert whenever you are driving. Keep an eye on the road, pavement, and side-view mirrors to ensure safety.
• Also, be careful in unfavourable situations, such as rain, storm, or other weather conditions.

During an emergency, make yourself safe and then assist others. Keep your emergency kit handy so that you can access it quickly during an emergency.

In case of an accident, check your injuries, help the passengers if you can afford it, exchange information, and document the accident. Keep the contact details of emergency helpline numbers and connect with them at the earliest.

The most important documents to carry while driving are as follows -

1. Registration Certificate

It is proof that your vehicle is registered with the Regional Transport Office. It contains data, including your personal details, vehicle details, and details regarding previous owners of your vehicle, if any. You will be charged with ₹ 5000 for failing to provide this on interrogation by any traffic police.

2. Driving License

It is proof that you are above 18 years of age and passed the requisite driving test. According to Motor Vehicle Act 1988, you will be charged with ₹ 5000 for failing to provide the same.

3. Pollution Under Control Certificate

This certificate mentions how much carbon monoxide or pollution is emitted by your vehicle. It is provided after checking if the level of pollution by your vehicle is under the optimal limit. Failing to provide this may incur ₹ 1000 as a fine.

4. Insurance Policy

To safeguard yourself, your vehicle, and pedestrians in case of any accident insurance policy is very important. Fine for failing to provide it while you are on-road is ₹ 2000.

5. Fitness Certificate

If your vehicle is more than fifteen years of age, you should get its fitness certificate from the relevant authority. You should renew it after every two years.

Maintaining these tips and precautions is highly important for safe driving. Your alertness, safety strategy, and adopting necessary measures will ensure the safety of everybody, including yourself.